Wilson, Obama, and the Nobel Peace Prize

President Obama was awakened today to learn that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize. Congratulations are in order. The conservatives are already mocking this decision; good thing that Chicago was not picked as the next city for the Olympics, or it would have definitely pushed the Republicans over the edge (not that far of a reach, in my estimation).

Well - one question that naturally arises, is who was the last sitting US President to win the Nobel Peace Prize? I checked, and it was President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Wilson was chosen for his work in the development of the League of Nations. Interestingly, and also ironic, is that Woodrow Wilson was not a supporter of equal rights for blacks; that is putting it mildly, actually. His record on race relations was not very good. You know what they say - "karma is a bitch." Well, anyway, here is a snippet (no sound) of Woodrow Wilson in the White House in 1917 (see video below). The sheep on the front lawn are real.

President Obama and HRC

This is the big story posted on the website of the HRC - the Human Rights Campaign:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced today that President Barack Obama will deliver the keynote address at the 13th Annual National Dinner on Saturday, October 10th, in Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy will also present the first-ever Edward M. Kennedy National Leadership Award to Judy and Dennis Shepard. The award is named in honor of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), a champion in the fight for LGBT equality.

The 2008 video below is a snippet of President Obama (before he was President) talking with Rick Warren at Saddleback Church regarding his views on gay marriage. He explains that he supports civil unions, but defines marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman. Wonder how this will play out on the 10th? What is about people that they are OK with gay couples doing the sad stuff (visiting each other in hospitals), but not in the fun stuff - like having a wedding?

Vanessa Redgrave and Israel

Vanessa Redgrave's recent backhanded support of Israel regarding the Toronto Film Festival's decision to showcase the films of Tel Aviv, reminds me of her Academy Award appearance back in 1978. Below is the link to the recent article, as well as the snippet from the Oscars:

http://www.thejc.com/news/world-news/20721/vanessa-redgrave-slams-israeli-film-boycott

Baby Laugh a Lot

I wonder how many of these dolls - given as Christmas presents in 1969 - ever made it to New Years Day 1970?

Doctors and Camels

Remember the good old days when smoking was good for you and doctors made housecalls? OK, I don't either - but this commercial does.
Oh - just as a side note - 4 out of 5 physicians choose the 357 magnum as their gun of choice for gifts for teens.

Things that make you go awwww...

I love old political commercials. When I watch this, I can almost taste the saccharine in my mouth.

Flintstones and Winston

This is too bizarre not to include. Fred and Barney pushing Winston cigarettes. I guess that is why Dino died of complications from second hand smoke.